Srinagar, March 20, 2025 – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para called for a fundamental shift in the government’s approach to the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, emphasizing that their plight should be treated as a matter of “dignity” rather than a mere issue of “relief.” Speaking during a debate on grants for Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Para highlighted the need for a respectful and comprehensive resolution to the decades-long displacement of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Para, representing the PDP in the assembly, argued that the Kashmiri Pandits—a Hindu minority forced to flee the Kashmir Valley during the militancy of the 1990s—deserve more than temporary aid or superficial rehabilitation packages. “The issue of Kashmiri Pandits is not just about relief or rehabilitation. It is not a consumer issue—it is about dignity,” he said, as reported by The Global Kashmir. His remarks underscored the emotional and historical weight of the exodus, which displaced an estimated 100,000 to 140,000 Pandits over three decades ago.
The MLA proposed actionable measures to address the community’s challenges, including the creation of district-level nodal agencies to streamline responses to their concerns. He also advocated for a clear transfer policy for Kashmiri Pandits who have received land, jobs, and housing under government schemes. “Some Pandits were killed due to the absence of such a policy,” Para noted, pointing to ongoing security risks that have hindered their return.
Para’s vision extends beyond logistics, focusing on reintegration and safety. He criticized segregated approaches to rehabilitation, urging the government to engage with the community at the grassroots level to ensure their voices are heard and their dignity restored. “We need constant engagement at the district level so their problems can be addressed immediately,” he added.
The Kashmiri Pandit exodus remains a sensitive and unresolved chapter in Jammu and Kashmir’s history. Despite government initiatives like employment packages and housing projects, many Pandits remain hesitant to return, citing persistent security threats exemplified by targeted killings in recent years. Para’s call for dignity over relief reflects a broader demand for policies that honor the community’s identity and trauma while fostering a safe return to the Valley.
As of March 21, 2025, Para’s statement has ignited discussions about reframing the Kashmiri Pandit issue as a humanitarian priority rather than a bureaucratic task. Political observers see it as a potential turning point in how the region’s leaders address one of its most enduring challenges. The government’s response to these demands for dignity, security, and meaningful rehabilitation will likely shape the future of Kashmiri Pandit reintegration efforts.